From Bones to a Beast

By The Southern Woods

Recently, Anthony bought a basic AR-15. And within a week, he’s transformed that thing into an epic, fully custom weapon. So naturally, I decided to write about it.

Why Start with a Bare-Bones AR-15?

Walking out with a stripped or “bare-bones” AR-15 feels like standing at the edge of a blank canvas. It's cheaper upfront, but the real value is in control.

You decide:

• How it handles

• How it feels

• What purpose it serves—home defense, hog hunting, or all of the above.

You get to build your dream rifle, piece by piece.

Before buying any parts (especially the lower receiver) you need to understand your local and federal gun laws. In most states, the lower receiver is the serialized, regulated firearm. Everything else is just parts.

Once you’ve got the legal side squared away, get familiar with the specs and systems. Do a little research into what you are looking for in a base model.

Once you have bought the bones its time to get busy. Here are some suggestions for most of the customizable aspects of your AR!

Lower Receiver Build

Trigger Group

• For Budget Builds: ALG Defense ACT Trigger – Affordable, crisp single-stage feel without breaking the bank.

• For Tactical Use: Geissele SSA-E – Two-stage, perfect for precision and reliability under pressure.

• For Competition: CMC Flat Trigger – Lightning-fast reset and flat-face design for speed and control.

Grip

• Ergonomic Favorite: Hogue Rubber Overmolded – Great for bare hands or gloves, reduces fatigue.

• Modular/Customizable: Magpul MOE+ or K2+ – Rugged with a more vertical grip angle; great for CQB builds.

• Tactical/Glove-Friendly: BCM Gunfighter Mod 3 – More aggressive texture and extended backstrap.

Buffer Assembly

• Standard Carbine Setup: Mil-spec tube with H2 buffer – Handles 5.56 recoil well, especially on a mid-length gas system.

• For Soft Recoil: VLTOR A5 Buffer System – Increases smoothness and reliability, especially in suppressed builds.

• Stock Options:

  • Magpul MOE/CTR: Lightweight and proven.

  • BCM SOPMOD: Comfortable cheek weld and storage.

  • B5 Systems Bravo: Rock-solid and combat-proven.

• Controls (Magazine Release, Bolt Catch, Safety)

  • Radian Talon Safety Selector – 45/90-degree throw, smooth operation.

  • BAD-ASS or Battle Arms Development Bolt Catch – Durable and stylish.

  • Magpul B.A.D. Lever – Adds bolt catch access to the trigger finger.

Upper Receiver Build

Barrel

• General Purpose: Ballistic Advantage 16" 5.56 NATO (1:7 twist) – Chrome-lined or QPQ-treated for longevity.

• Precision Build: Faxon Gunner or Criterion Hybrid – Balances weight with sub-MOA potential.

• Heavy Duty/Tactical: FN CHF (Cold Hammer Forged) – Built to last, military-grade quality.

Gas System

• Mid-Length (Ideal for 14.5”–16”): Smoothest cycling and softer recoil.

• Rifle-Length (18”+ Barrels): Best for SPR (Special Purpose Rifle) builds.

• Adjustable Gas Block: Great for suppressor users or fine-tuning—Superlative Arms and Syrac Ordnance are excellent choices.

Handguard

• Best Value: Aero Precision Atlas R-One – Slim, strong, and affordable.

• High-End Option: Geissele Mk4 or Mk16 – Rock-solid and duty-ready.

• Lightweight Focus: BCM MCMR or Midwest Industries Combat Rail – Great for staying nimble.

Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)

• Standard Reliable Choice: Toolcraft BCG (MPI-tested, full-auto rated) – Excellent value.

• Premium Option: Bravo Company (BCM), Daniel Defense, or FailZero (Nickel Boron Coated) – Smooth and durable.

Charging Handle

• Ambi and Rugged: Radian Raptor – Gold standard for left- or right-hand operation.

• Budget-Friendly: Strike Industries or Breek Arms Warhammer – Reliable and affordable alternatives.

Furniture & Finishing Touches

Optic

• Budget Red Dot: Holosun 403B/510C – Long battery life, shake-awake tech.

• Mid-Range King: Sig Sauer Romeo5 or Primary Arms SLx – Trusted by many for reliability.

• Premium Pick: Aimpoint PRO or EOTech EXPS2 – Bombproof and combat-tested.

• Backups: Magpul MBUS or Troy Flip-Up Sights – Essential for co-witnessing or emergencies.

Muzzle Device

• Recoil Control: VG6 Epsilon or Precision Armament M4-72 – Excellent for flat shooting.

• Flash Suppression: Surefire Warcomp or A2 Flash Hider – Better for low-light.

• Suppressor Ready: Dead Air KeyMo or SilencerCo ASR Mounts – Compatible with popular cans.

Sling

• Best Value: Magpul MS1 Two-Point Sling – Simple, strong, adjustable.

• Quick Adjust: Viking Tactics VTAC or Blue Force Gear Vickers Sling – Excellent for dynamic movement.

• QD Mounts: Invest in steel QD swivels and rear end plates like Strike Industries or Magpul ASAP-QD.

Paint Job

• DIY Camouflage: Krylon or Rust-Oleum camo spray + mesh/netting for stenciling = affordable, effective.

• Pro Finish: Rattlecan with Cerakote clear coat for added protection.

• Pattern Ideas: Tiger stripe, woodland, FDE/OD green two-tone.

Final Tip: No matter your budget, build with a purpose. Whether you’re hunting hogs in the Georgia pines, hitting steel at 300 yards, or prepping for home defense, your rifle should reflect you.

Building an AR isn’t just about making something that shoots; it’s about understanding every function, every part, and every failure point. It’s about being able to fix what you break, upgrade what you need, and respect what you carry. You also learn a lot about patience, precision, and priorities. Each decision teaches you something, and at the end of it, you don’t just have a rifle—you have your rifle.

Down here, we don’t always buy things ready-made. We build fences, fires, friendships, and firearms. And there’s nothing like hitting the range or heading into the woods with a rifle you assembled with your own two hands. If you’ve never built your own AR, I’d say give it a go. Soon I will be doing the same.

What’s your go-to part or brand when building an AR? Share your setups and advice in the comments, or tag @thesouthernwoods with your custom builds.